Elena Rossi
John Gast's 1872 painting, American Progress, is a powerful depiction of the westward expansion of the United States and the idea of Manifest Destiny. The painting presents a landscape of 19th-century North America, with the right side showing settled locations on the East Coast, including New York City and the Brooklyn Bridge under construction. To the left, the western part of North America is portrayed as a dark, unsettled frontier with wild buffalo and indigenous people fleeing from the approaching settlers. The painting conveys a sense of technological progress, with covered wagons, railroads, and horse-drawn carriages moving westward, guided by an angelic figure symbolizing American ideals. American Progress reflects the popular beliefs and attitudes of its time, presenting a vision of the future where westward expansion brings intellectual and scientific progress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | John Gast |
| Year | 1872 |
| Medium | Chromolithograph |
| Publisher | Prang and Co. |
| Commissioner | George Crofutt |
| Subject | Westward expansion of the United States, Manifest Destiny |
| Symbolism | Progress, technology, education, enlightenment, scientific improvements, Manifest Destiny |
| Figures | Settlers, indigenous people, angel/female ambassador of liberty, farmers, pioneers |
| Technologies | Covered wagons, railroads, telegraph wires, ships, Brooklyn Bridge |
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What You'll Learn
The painting depicts the westward expansion of the United States
John Gast's American Progress (1872) depicts the westward expansion of the United States in the 19th century. The painting illustrates the landscape of North America, with the right side portraying locations on the east coast, such as New York City and Manhattan, which were already settled by Europeans. The left side of the painting depicts the western part of North America, with a darker landscape that has yet to be settled. This contrast between the settled east and the untamed west is a key element of the painting's composition and message.
In the foreground of the western half of the painting, a group of settlers can be seen heading west, guided by an angelic female figure. This figure, described by Crofutt as a "beautiful and charming female," embodies American ideals and the philosophy of Manifest Destiny. She carries a book, representing education and enlightenment, and stretches out a coil of telegraph wire, symbolizing the spread of intelligence and technology. The three parallel railroad engines behind her further emphasize the theme of technological progress and the expansion of transportation networks across the continent.
The painting also includes a herd of American bison and a group of indigenous people running away from the approaching settlers. This depiction of Native Americans is stereotypical and reflects the idea of their displacement as Europeans moved westward. The bison, or wild buffalo, represent the lack of technological development in the west, in contrast to the railroads and carriages in the settled east.
American Progress was commissioned by George Crofutt, a publisher of American Western travel guides. Crofutt had a financial interest in encouraging the conquest of Native American lands, and his interpretation of the painting emphasizes the idea of Manifest Destiny. The painting's portrayal of westward expansion and the belief in America's destiny to spread across the continent reflects the popular opinions and attitudes of its time.
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It conveys a sense of technological progress
John Gast's American Progress, painted in 1872, conveys a sense of technological progress through its depiction of the westward expansion of the United States. The painting portrays a landscape of 19th-century North America, with the right side showing locations on the East Coast, such as New York City and the Brooklyn Bridge, that were already settled by Europeans. This settled area is contrasted with the western part of North America, shown on the left side of the painting, which is darker and lacks the technological advancements of the east.
The painting includes various modes of transportation, such as covered wagons, railroads, and horse-drawn carriages, which represent the passage of time and the evolution of technology. The static nature of the painting, with its dynamic story, emphasizes the inevitability of technological progress. The westward expansion depicted in the painting is often associated with the concept of Manifest Destiny, the belief that American power and energy were destined to spread across the continent.
The central figure in the painting is a female ambassador of American liberty, bearing the "Star of Empire" on her forehead. She carries a book, symbolizing education and enlightenment, and in her left hand, she holds a coil of electric power line wire, representing the intellectual and scientific improvements that result from westward expansion. The three parallel railroad engines behind her further emphasize the idea of technological progress, suggesting that Americans will accomplish more with improved technology and infrastructure.
The painting also includes a group of indigenous people fleeing from progress, unable to adjust to the shifting tides of history. This depiction reinforces the sense of technological progress by implying that those who cannot keep up with technological advancements will be left behind. Overall, American Progress by John Gast effectively conveys a sense of technological progress through its portrayal of westward expansion, the inclusion of technological advancements, and the contrast between the settled East and the untamed West.
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The painting portrays a vision of the future
John Gast's 1872 painting, "American Progress," offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, present, and future of 19th-century America. The painting portrays a vision of the future, reflecting the contemporary beliefs and aspirations of its time.
The right side of the painting depicts the settled East Coast, with New York City, ships around Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Bridge under construction. This area represents the technological advancements and established settlements of the time. The inclusion of the Brooklyn Bridge is particularly interesting, as it showcases a project that was still in progress and would not be completed until over a decade later, hinting at the promise of future infrastructure development.
In contrast, the western part of North America is portrayed on the left side of the painting as a darker, less settled region. This area is shown to be lacking the technological advancements of the East, with wild buffalo and a stereotypical depiction of Native Americans fleeing from progress, symbolizing the inevitable expansion of American innovation and ideals.
At the center of the painting stands a female figure, described as "beautiful and charming" ambassador of American liberty. She carries a book, symbolizing education and enlightenment, and in her left hand, she holds a coil of electric power line wire, representing the intellectual and scientific advancements that would result from westward expansion. This figure embodies the ideals of Manifest Destiny, the belief in the inevitable expansion of American power and influence across the continent.
The painting's depiction of transportation technologies, from the simple Indian travois to railroads and carriages, conveys a sense of dynamic progress and the passage of time. This evolution of transportation methods reflects the larger theme of America's journey westward and the belief in a brighter future through expansion and technological advancement.
"American Progress" captures a pivotal moment in American history, presenting a vision of the future shaped by Manifest Destiny, technological progress, and the expansion of American ideals. It serves as a historical artifact that allows us to understand the aspirations and beliefs of 19th-century America, offering a unique perspective on the country's self-image during a period of significant change and transformation.
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It symbolises the American Dream
John Gast's "American Progress" is a painting that symbolizes the American Dream and the concept of Manifest Destiny. The painting, created in 1872, depicts the westward expansion of the United States, showcasing settlers, technology, and transportation moving towards the western frontier. The left side of the painting represents the dark and unexplored western frontier, with wild buffalo and indigenous people fleeing from progress. In contrast, the right side portrays the settled East, with New York City, ships, and the Brooklyn Bridge under construction.
The painting symbolizes the American Dream in several ways. Firstly, it represents the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity in the new land. The westward expansion was seen as a journey of progress and redemption, where Americans believed they could leave the past behind and create a better future. This notion of Manifest Destiny, or the belief in the inevitable expansion of American power and influence, is embodied in the painting's contrast between the dark, unexplored west and the illuminated, settled east.
The female figure in the painting, known as the "beautiful and charming female" or the ambassador of American liberty, further symbolizes the American Dream. She carries a book, representing education and enlightenment, and stretches out a coil of telegraph wire, symbolizing the spread of intelligence and technological progress. This figure, often interpreted as a representation of American ideals and Manifest Destiny, leads the way westward, guiding the settlers towards a brighter future.
The inclusion of various modes of transportation, from covered wagons to railroads, also reflects the American Dream. It showcases the progress and advancement of technology, suggesting that with hard work and determination, Americans can continue to innovate and improve their lives. The painting serves as a historical encyclopedia of transportation technologies, highlighting the passage of time and the inevitability of progress.
Moreover, the personal journey of John Gast himself can be seen as an embodiment of the American Dream. As a German immigrant who moved to Brooklyn in 1849, Gast found success and security in the United States. His own experience of westward expansion and the pursuit of a better life mirror the themes portrayed in the painting. "American Progress" thus becomes a visual representation of the American Dream, showcasing the opportunities and progress that were believed to be attainable in the new land.
Overall, John Gast's "American Progress" serves as a powerful symbol of the American Dream. It captures the ideals of progress, expansion, and the pursuit of a better future that were prevalent during the time of westward expansion. Through its depiction of technological advancement, the contrast between the explored and unexplored frontiers, and the embodiment of American liberty, the painting showcases the optimism and aspirations that define the American Dream.
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The painting reflects the popular opinion of the time
John Gast's 1872 painting, "American Progress", reflects the popular opinion of the time in several ways. The painting depicts the westward expansion of the United States, a concept known as Manifest Destiny, which was a widely held belief among Americans during the 19th century. This belief, that American power and energy were destined to spread across the continent, is vividly portrayed in the painting through the contrasting depictions of the settled East and the unsettled West.
The right side of the painting, representing the East, shows locations already settled by Europeans, with New York City, ships around Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Bridge under construction. This side of the painting is bright and full of technological progress, with covered wagons, railroads, and horse-drawn carriages. The left side of the painting, representing the West, is much darker and lacks the technological advancements of the East. This side depicts a herd of American bison and a group of indigenous people fleeing from the approaching settlers, unable to adjust to the shifting tides of history.
The central figure in the painting is a "beautiful and charming female", as described by Crofutt, the publisher who commissioned the work. This angelic figure, a symbolic representation of American ideals and Manifest Destiny, carries light towards the western frontier. In her hands, she holds a book, representing education, and a coil of electric power line wire, symbolising the intellectual and scientific improvements that would result from westward expansion.
The painting also reflects the popular opinion of the time in its portrayal of Native Americans as stereotypes fleeing from progress. This reflects the widespread belief among white Euro-Americans that it was their destiny to take land from the native populations and spread their own ideals across the continent. "American Progress" thus encapsulates the attitudes and beliefs of Americans during the 19th century regarding their nation's expansion and their sense of destiny and progress.
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Frequently asked questions
American Progress is an 1872 painting by Prussian-born painter, printer, and lithographer John Gast.
The painting depicts the westward expansion of the United States in the 19th century. It shows settlers and new technology like covered wagons, railroads, and horse-drawn carriages moving west, guided by an angel carrying light towards the frontier.
The painting is an allegory of Manifest Destiny, the belief that American power and energy were destined to spread across the continent. The angel, a symbolic representation of American ideals, carries symbols of intellectual and scientific progress. The painting also conveys a sense of the passage of time and the inevitability of technological advancement.
The painting was commissioned by George Crofutt, a publisher of American Western travel guides. Crofutt had a financial interest in encouraging the conquest of Native American lands, and his interpretation of the painting emphasizes the benefits of westward expansion.
